Fellowship, part 2

Fellowship goes so far beyond the short, superficial visits that many Christians experience during or after a church service. In my last post I looked at parts of a definition for the original Greek word koinonia, translated as fellowship in Acts chapter 2. I want to look more closely at one part of the definition. 

Koinonia involves creating a bond between comrades where people are recognized, share their joy and pains together, and are united because of their common experiences, interests and goals... It is always linked to action, not just being together, but also doing together.

In a church of 50, or 200, or 2000 it is unlikely that you will experience koinonia in a full church gathering. There are just too many people for that intimacy to develop. I believe that one of the best ways to experience Biblical fellowship is in a small group. I want to look at the above definition in light of experiences I have been blessed with as part of a small group.

• where people are recognized

God has made us all with unique strengths and weaknesses. In 1Corinthians chapter 12, Paul discusses that every member of the body of Christ is needed. In a small group it is easier to let each other's strengths come out. My Monday morning small group has just sponsored a missionary through Gospel for Asia. Everyone started giving the money to me and I quickly pointed out that having me keep track of money was not a good plan. I am very absent minded and terrible at record keeping. Another member of the group immediately volunteered to take on that responsibility. This person is now blessed to be giving something to the entire group. Her strength was lifted up and everyone benefits.

• sharing joys and pains together
  In Rom 12:15 we are called to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” That is a normal part of Biblical fellowship. Sometimes this can happen on the scale of the entire congregation, when we rejoice together in the joining of a couple in marriage or when we mourn at the funeral of a member of the body. However, for the joys and sorrows that we experience on a smaller scale, it is wonderful to be a part of a small group. We can celebrate birthdays together, sharing something we love and appreciate about the birthday boy or girl. We can celebrate with praise and prayer the victories of children or grandchildren. We pray for one another and rejoice together as those prayers are answered. We can assist the sick or injured. We can support one another through a job loss, or on a painful anniversary. When you truly experience koinonia (Biblical fellowship) in your small group, you will want to go to the group on a bad day, knowing your spirits will be lifted. My small group is so important in my own spiritual walk, supporting me through depression and health challenges.

I'll take a look at the other two parts of the definition above next week, after Easter.

May God bless you with a group of Christians with whom you can see your strengths recognized and your weaknesses accepted – a group where you can celebrate the challenges and joys of your life and those of the other members. Small groups are a vehicle to learn and experience the love of Christ and the deep fellowship we see lived out in His Word. They are mant to be a blessing – not just one more activity to fit into your already overbusy schedule.